Using a Dial Indicator on a Camshaft
Note: ALWAYS turn the crankshaft in the direction of normal engine rotation.
With the cylinder head removed, center the dial indicator on top of the piston above the wrist pin center line. Turn the engine to find the highest point where the indicator reads .050" before maximum piston travel. At this time, set the pointer on the crankshaft mounted degree wheel to 0°. Turn the engine to a point where the indicator reads .050" after maximum piston travel. Read the degrees now on the degree wheel. Divide by 2 and set the degree wheel to that number, e.g. if the number is 22, set the degree wheel to 11. Double check by turning the engine to .050" before TDC, the pointer should be that number of degrees before 0°. Turn the engine to .050" after TDC, and the point should read the same number of degrees after 0°. This gives you the true TDC of piston travel. DO NOT move the pointer or degree after this point.
To measure the number 1 intake valve lifter travel, use the above procedure for the piston. Turn the engine to .050" before the maximum lift and write down the number. Turn the engine to .050" after the maximum lift and write down the number. Add the 2 numbers together and divide by 2. This gives you true intake lobe center line, e.g. 90° + 122° divided by 2 gives a intake center line of 106°.
